A Game of Love and Betrayal (The Choosing Chronicles, #1)

by Elayna R. Gallea

A bitter laugh came through the headphones. “Why would you want to hear about my bad dreams?” His brows tented, and he leaned forward. “Because they bothered you, sweetheart, and I care a great deal about you.”

The remainder of his words were muffled by distance, but another shriek echoed through the ballroom. Ryker didn’t think Brynleigh was the one yelling. She wouldn’t do that. She’d probably bite someone who touched her without permission. And fuck if he didn’t like that thought. Not the time.

“No.” His voice was firm. “She’s mine.” Even though Brynleigh didn’t know it yet, it was true.

“I’m eager to speak with you.” The words slipped off his tongue before he could even think about them. “It doesn’t matter what we’re talking about because hearing your voice is like listening to my favorite music. I could do it all day long. Like an enchantress, you enthralled me with your voice.”

“To say that I enjoy your company, sweetheart, would be a vast underestimation of how much I look forward to hearing your voice and spending time with you. I do not enjoy it because that is too simple of a word. Rather, I am quickly finding that I am desperate for your company. For you. I thought I proved that yesterday.”

“No need to apologize,” Brynleigh said. “On the contrary, there is a need.” He cleared his throat. “I made a mistake, and I will endeavor to do better by you.”